Standing out in the competitive job market can often be a challenge for new graduates.
Jessica Nasrallah, a Policy Officer at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and former Carleton University graduate student, says going on a student exchange can help.
“It sets you apart from others and provides you with a sense of confidence you might not have had,” says Nasrallah. “I’ve learned that it makes for a great conversation when interviewing for a job, especially when the university you attended is well recognized internationally.”
Nasrallah spent a semester in Paris attending Sciences Po University. She lived in a tiny studio by herself in the heart of the city.
Nasrallah in front of the Chateau Versailles
Says Nasrallah: “My exchange experience consisted of plenty of croissants, baguettes, cheese, strolls along the Seine with new friends and school work.”
Nasrallah by the Seine River in Paris
After the semester was over, she spent a month and a half travelling in Europe and the Middle East before returning to Ottawa. While abroad, some of her most fond memories involved exploring France’s fine cuisine, including a six-hour meal on top of the Eiffel Tower.
Nasrallah wanted the opportunity to partake in an exchange program before graduating.
“I was at a point in my life where I felt like I needed a challenge and to extend beyond my comfort zone,” shares the alumna.
Plus, she recognized that international experience is highly valuable in the workforce, particularly for International Affairs students.
The exchange also gave her the chance to reconnect with extended family living in France. “Getting to know them and being a part of their Parisian family lifestyle was probably the most enriching part of my experience living abroad,” she says.
She says she was able to get by in Paris without being fluent in the French language. “Most people that go on exchange end up making friends with other exchange students, who are often fluent in English. As a result, that ends up being the primary language you speak, for better or worse.”
Nasrallah graduated with an MA from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs (NPSIA) in November 2015. She chose NPSIA because of its reputation, location, co-op option, strong alumni, and the variety of courses it offers.
“These are all good reasons that might interest potential grads in my field of study. I would also add that the internship option, the fantastic NPSIA resource centre, and the social culture of the program all help to provide an enriching and well-rounded graduate study experience.”
Nasrallah dreams of one day opening up her own café. As to whether she plans on returning to the city of light, she says “Paris is always a good idea.”
You can learn more about Carleton’s student exchange program by going to this website. Carleton offers exchange opportunities with over 190 partner institutions in more than 30 countries.
–Story written by Ashley Wenyeve
Monday, February 8, 2016 in Alumni, News
Share: Twitter, Facebook
